Folding machine



July 9, 1935. I w J NElDlG 2,007,210

FOLDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 19, 1931 4 Sheets -Sheet 1 y 9 w. J. NEIDIG I 2,007,210

' FOLDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 19,-1931 4 Shee'ts-She't 2 Inventor July 9, 1935. w. J. NEIDIG FOLDING MACHINE Filed Dec. .19, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet .5

IIIVGHIJOF:

J y 3 w..1. NElDlG 2,007,210

' FOLDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 19, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet .4

Fig.5

Patented July 1935 V UNITED "STATES."

PATENT OFFICE The invention embodies features more broadly claimed in, my pending applications for United States patent, Serial No. 377,255, filed July 10,. 1929, and Serial No. 488,087, filed October 1l,'

1930; now become United States Patent No.

1,338,106 dated December 29, 1931 as will be explained latert It consists in improved means for .fdlding separate sheetsof material such as paper, including the positioning,adjusting and discharging devices connected therewith. It makes use of means for advancing a sheet, whether from an earlier folding or still unfolded, into the control of devices that stop it in folding position, give it the desired fold or folds, and then discharge.

any adjustment with safety while the machine is running. Another object is to enable him'to use wider paper for a given width of machine as 7 compared with certain other embodiments of the I invention. Another object is to supply him with indicating-means effective at the feed-board to indicate wherea'g-iven 1am fold will fall, without requiring him to enter and spoil a sheet to find out. Another object is to supply means for preventing displacement ofthe sheet by the folding operation. Another object is to supply means effective to remove a folded sheet from stationary folding devices with a minimum distortion of the fold. Another object is to supply means for giving any required degree of softness to a longitudinally extending fold. 'Another object is to 'supplya mechanism thatcan be manufactured flexibly, 'whetherin alsimple form for simple uses or embodying features desirable in more'complex uses. Other objects are described'in the annexed claims.) V I I attain myseveral objects by the mechanism illustrated in' the accompanying drawings, 'in which+ 1 Figure l represents a side elevation, partly in section, of one of the embodiments of my invention, the structure being brokenaway in places to show more clearly the structure behind. I Fig. 1a illustrates a detail of the same. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Fig. l, the structure likewisebeing broken away in places. Fig. 3 is a plan viewof another embodiment of the inshown in Figs. *1 and 2, some. of which it is suffi- .cient t'o describe without repeating it in the drawingf 4 comprises a view of Fig. 1 from the left on-the'hne-F4-+F4,"part1y in section, and

ventionusing certain portions of the structure with certain parts omitted or broken away. Fig. 5 comprises a viewin vertical section of Fig. 1, onthe line F5-F5, with'certain parts'omitted. T

In both of said embodiments I make useof' folding devices for producing a preliminary transverse fold when suchis required and of folding devices for producing at will a longitudinal fold or folds. For producing the transverse fold I prefer to employ devices cf-the usual knife-blade and pressure-roll type, wellknown in the art, but any approved folding mechanism may be employed, and income" uses no transverse folding devices may be needed. In these embodiments I employ the transverse folding devices in their additional functions as sheet-entering and sheet-advancing means, as is commonly done in commercial practice, without limiting myself to their use. The construction referred to is described as follows: The usual folding knife is indicated at l, and the usual pressure rolls at 2 and 3, springpressed together by usual springs not necessary to be shown, into the bite of which the downwardly-actuated knife *carries the sheet, said rolls having their axles 4 and 5 suitably journaled in or upon side frames 6. Said rolls are rotated from drive shaft l, journaled at either end in side frames 8, through sprocket wheel 8 attached thereon, sprocket wheel 9 attached on axle 4, chain It connecting said sprocket wheels, toothed wheel H attached on axle l, and toothed wheel 12 attached on axle 5, said latter wheels meshing. The knife is operatedfrom toothed wheel l3 attached uponshaft I 4, which is journaled at either end in side frames 6, through cam 15 on said wheel and the following connecting devices: Arms 6, which carry the knife, are attached upon shaft IT, journaled at either end in side frames 6 and having a coiled spring attached to act rotatingly thereon, indicated at l8. One of said arms bears an outstanding pin l9,'on which is 'journ'aled rod 26, said rod being journaledat the other end upon pin 2|, carried by arm 22, which in turn is journaled at one end upon pin 23 on one of side frames 6. Cam roller 24 is also jour naled upon pin 2 l. Toothed wheel 13 is driven by toothed wheel 25 meshing therewith, attached on folding operation is commonly performediin prac-" tice by feeder devices or the like, such devices in effect operating in combination with the first stage folding devices, and that myinvention is in no way prevented from making use of such devices when employed in the first folding stage.

The embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings preferably make use of the mechanism just described for the purposes referred to. They also make use of sheet-positioning means, of tongue-like or finger-like forming members over which the sheet may be folded, of clamping devices for preventing the displacement of the sheet by the folding operation, of reciprocating devices effective to fold the sheet over the forming members, of devices preventing displacement of the fold, of time-saving adjustingdevices, of retractible discharging and sealing devices, and of indicating devices effective at the feed-board to indicate in advance where a fold will fall upon the sheet.

. I will first describe the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, beginning with the supporting structure. It will be understood that similar symbols of reference are employed throughout the drawings described herein, to indicate similar parts.

Attached at either end upon side frames 5 is the transversely extending rod or beam 26; upon which sub-frames 21 and 2! are supported slidingly. A second support for said sub-frames is supplied by shaft l4, already described. The subframes carry certain of the separable devices hereinafter described. I prefer in this embodimentto provide lateral movement for both subframes, although in some uses only one will have anadjustable lateral position, and in some uses neither will have. The moving laterally of either with respect to the other of course renders them separable. The lateral position of said sub-frames upon supports 26 and I4 is controlled by three pairs of threaded shafts indicated at 28 and 28, the three shafts 28 being journaled at one end in the left-hand side frame 8, and the three shafts 28 being journaled at one end in the right-hand side frame 6. Said pairs 'are connected end. to end by means of a dovetail construction 29 and pins 30, so that each pair will constitute in effect a single shaft having on it right-hand and left-hand threads. The threaded portions of shafts 28 engage with the threads of tapped holes in sub-frame 21, and the threaded portions of shafts 28 engage with the threads of tapped holes in sub-frame 21 Shafts 28 and 28 have attached upon them respectively sprocket wheels 3| and 3|. A fourth pair of threaded shafts, indicated at 32 and 32, likewise'connected end to end by a pin 38, are similarly journaled in frames 6. The threaded portions of these shafts engage respectively with the threads in tapped holes in blocks 33 and 33 supported slidingly upon rods or rails 34 and 35, attached at either end upon side frames 6. The purpose of employing both rails is to support said blocks against pressure tending to turn them upon either. Shafts 32 and 32 have attached upon them respectively sprocket wheels 35 and 36 and handles 31 and 3?. It will be understood that sprocket wheels 3| and 36, and sprocket wheels 3| and 36, have the same number of teeth, and that the pitch and direction of threads upon shafts 28 and 32, and upon shafts 28 and 32 will be the same. In this construction the rotation of shafts 28 and 32, and of shafts 28 and 32 is synchronized by chains 38 and 38 connecting their respective sprocket wheels. Since 7.0. sub-frame 2'! is supported laterally at three points, that isto say tripod-wise, by its three threaded shafts, and the rotation of these shafts is synchronized, the rotation of any one of them will rotate all, and in the resultant change of F lateral position its operative planev will remain constant.

The same is true of sub-frame .21

Furthermore, since the rotation respectively of the fourth pair of threaded shafts is synchronized with that of these three, sliding block 33 will participate in all lateral movements of subframe 2'1, and sliding block 33 in all lateral movements of sub-frame 21 and the lateral relationship respectively of the same will remain constant.

The forming members over which the sheet is folded in this embodiment are indicated at 39 and 39 1- They are constructed tongue-like or finger-like, that is to say, supported in cantilever manner fromone end. In this case they are supported respectively by sliding blocks 33 and 33', upon which they are attached. I prefer to construct them having a symmetrical contour in lateral cross-section, in this case with a centrally projecting cornerVa-djacent to the folding line, or as in Fig. 3 presenting a symmetrically rounded folding edge to the sheet. The purpose of such construction is to prevent buckling the sheet when the fold is sealed, and to prevent breaking the sheet at a false folding line. Although the forming members act as an interior support, and the sheet is folded over them, their thickness is somewhat immaterial, my sealing and discharging devices acting to flatten even a roll-like fold. I prefer to construct them symmetrically thinned down toward their free end, as indicated at 48 and 40 in order to extend them to a point near the leading edge of the sheet to be folded, or even beyond it, the purpose of the construction being to reduce the danger of buckling by extending the interior support, the leading edge commonly being a folded edge that cannot be trusted to break properly without such support. I prefer to construct them narrowed or cut away, as at 4| and 4P, Fig. la, for purposes explained later.

The present invention makes use of reciprocating devices for laying the sheet over said forming members in a fold. Those in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are movable laterally, along with their supporting structure. As employed in said embodiment they are described as follows: Sub-frames 21 and 2I have journaled upon them respectively in suitable planes the short shafts 42 and 42 each of which bears attache-d near either end the arms 43 and 43 respectively. These arms have journaled in them respectively shafts 44 and 44, attached upon which are the short arms 45 and 45', to form a hinged construction. Arms 45 and 4."! have journaled in them axles 48 and 46 of rollers 41 and 41 Tracks 48 and 48', attached upon subframes 21 and 2'! respectively, support said rollers near their ends, said tracks acting as guides to control the course of said rollers and also acting frictionally to rotate them, springs 49 serving to press said rollers upon said tracks, through pinsSil and 5| on arms 43 and 45 and arms 43 and 45 espectively. Axles 46 and 48 have attached upon them, preferably .as tangential extensions of the peripheries of said rollers, blades 52 and 52 It will be understood that the diameter of said rollers will preferably be such that the rotating of them upon their tracks will bring such blades from the position .shown in Figs. 1 and 2 into a position flat upon forming members 38 and 39 or upon the sheet folded thereover, shortly before the end of the work-stroke of said rollers, so that the latter part of their action will be a sliding or smoothing action. It will be understood also that in this construction the folding function isdivided between said rollers parts.

' shafts 65' and 65 and saidi-blades, .each possessing :certain advantages, and that in some uses .the rollers may be employed without the blades, and that in some i 4 the other ends of saidsprings being attached upon-sub-frames. 2i and 21 respectively in'such manner as to act pullingly upon said arms. "Said shafts 42 and 42 also have attached upon them respectively short arms 55 and 55 which terminate in radially ext-ending axles 56 and 155 for cam -rollers 571 and d'l Said 'camrollers bear upon the working surface of cams 58'and 58 which are mounted sli-dingly upon shaft l4 previouslydescribe-d, and are'rotated by it conveniently through laterally extendingpins 59 and 59. attached upon said cams, said pins having a sliding engagement with arms 60 and SO attached on said shaft, namely through holes in the .said' arms. Said cams have their lateral position con trol'ledby sub-frames "21 and 21 through grooved hubs 6 and fil-"Hthe grooves of which are engaged by fingers 62 and 62 -attached upon said. sub'frames,'studsj53 and 63 serving to position said yokes laterally. Actuating earns '58 and 58 referred. to have a'working contour suitable for giving the desired movement to the connected The arrangement is such that-rollers 41 and Miand blades 52 and 52 are directed against the sheet in a're'ciprocating action effective to fold it overdorming members 39 and '39 whatever the lateral position may be of the working parts.

1 1 The sheet-positioning devices employed in said embodiment are described as follows: Sub-frames 2-1 and?! have attached upon them frame extensions lid and 64 bearing journaled therein Attached upon said shafts to rock with them the longitudinallyextending pap-er clamps fit? andfifi one of the functions of which is to serve as paper guidesyand another, to serve as paper supports. "The further-"functions thereof willbe-described later. One of the functions'likewise of forming members 39 and 39% as employed in this embodiment, is to serve as paper guides/and another, to 'ser-vefa s paper supports. The sheet to be folded is advanced by the sheet-advancing means previously de scribedinto the control of said guiding and supporting devices, and upon leaving said'means falls by theforce of gravity, or the force of its inertia, orboth, until arrested or stopped i bystops '6] and;

6 .7 attached upon sub-frames 2 1 and 21 The sheet is indicated at E58. ZSaid stops are positioned laterally by outstanding studs -or projections on said sub-frames. Itwillbe understoodthat'any rebounding fromsuch stopsmay beoontrolled as incomm'on practice by any approvedmeans. .In' most uses'the rebounding sheet inthis construc-.

tion will settle back securely against the ,stops by the force of gravity without further control. It will be understood e150 that the sheet is supported onboth sides in this construction because of itsnearly vertical position when brought. to rest. The invention :is not iimited to the. means (Fig. "1)

described for. bringing the sheettotrest in folding position, nor to the type of means described.

The means employed in the .said embodiment for clamping the ,sheet against: displacement are described asfollows: Longitudinally extending clamps. 65 and 66 befored'escribed, attached to rock with shafts 65 and'65 respectively, have attached-upon theunder side thereof the downstanding .elbowed operating'levers 69-..a'nd B9R which project engagingly under the laterally extending rail :10, carried on arms "H, soas tobe engaged :byit whatever thelatera'l position of the levers; Alsdattached upon theunder side of said clamps are springs 12 and 12; arranged to bear against .sub-frams2l and-2'! in such manner as to rocksaid :clampsclosingly upon forming members fiil land 39 ','and"therefore upon the sheet.

Rail 'lfi'isrocked downwardlyupon levers 69 and.

69?. aforesaid "byspring l3, which is strong enough to overcome the force exerted by springs 12 and T2, throughthe following structure: Arms H are attached upon yrocking. shaft 'Myjournaled at either .endin side framesfi; Said shaft bears also attached upon it anoperating arm .75 having a pin 76 thereon which is journaled in one end of connectingfrod H. Theother end of said connecting rod is journaled upon a .pin l8 on one .of

the swinging arms 1.! and 1-9 Saidlatter arms are journaled upo-n drive shaft 7 for anaxis upon which to be rocked, and they are connected into an operative unit by struts or stays 8i].- Arm 19 is extended at the lower end in elbows or branches, one of which bears attached thereon pin 8 i on which cam roller 82 is journaled in such manner as. to be, engagedby cam 83, attached upon shaft 14 before mentioned. Another of the branches of arm 13 bears on it 'a pin B4,..upon which-one end of connecting rod 85 is journaled, the other end thereof being journaled upon a pin 85 on elbow lever 81.- Said elbow lever or arm .is attached upon shaft 88, journaled in side frames 5 at either end, andiit bears also a pin 8%, upon w lich'one end'of. spring 13 before mentioned is attached, the other being attached upon side frame 64 The arrangement is such that cam 83 actsagainst the pressure-of spring 73 to raise rail 10 from engagement with elbowed levers G9 and 69:, whereupon springs 12' and 12 close clamps 66 and Bfi against forming members 39 and 33 'andgth'erefore upon the sheet. 1 Springl? in turn acts to lower rail 1G into engagement with elbowed levers '69 and 65 thereby rocking said clamps into. open position against'the force'of-said springs 1'2 and 12 when *cam 83 permits this action. It

willibe-noted that in Figs. 1 and 2 for the sake of clearer illustration clamps 66 andtii are shown in open position, although rail l6 has-been raised bythe parts described from depressing the levers 59 and 159K It wlllbe noted also-that in Fig. 2 the sheet shown in Fig. 1 is removed, also for the sake of clearer illustration. It will be understood furthermore that although said clamps engage upon the .sheet'on a line adjacent to the folding line, their transverse position is somewhat immaterial, and that although they are arranged longitudinally as respects the folding line, the invention is not limited to this arrangement, andthat although they are shown as bearing against the forming members, such construction 'is'not necessarily employed in all cases. It will be noted also that in some uses a clamping means willnotberequired. The embodiment described makes use of the following devices for removing or. dischargingthe folded sheet, or for advancing it to anotherfolding stage, and for pressing down or sealing the folds produced thereby: Arms 19 and 19 referred to as journaled on shaft 1 so as to be rocked thereon have journaled in them shafts 90 and III, the latter in bearings slightly elongated, so as to permit said shafts to be slightly separable, namely against the spring pressure drawing them together. Said shafts are rotated from drive shaft 1 through sprocket wheel 82 attached thereon, sprocket wheel 93 attached on shaft 90, chain 94 connecting the sprocket wheels, toothed wheel 95 also attached on shaft 90, and toothed wheel 96 attached on shaft 9|, said toothed wheels meshing. The relation of the several wheels is such that the shafts are rotated an even number of times for each revolution of toothed wheel I3, so that the gated rolls thereon may cooperate in a timed action with the parts actuated by said wheel. Two of these rolls, indicated at 91 and 91, are keyed slidingly on shaft 90 through 'keys 90, and two of them similarly indicated are keyed slidingly on shaft 9| through similar keys. Said rolls are constructed with unbroken bearer portions 09, and are supplied with recesses or gateways I00 and I00 to admit the folded-over leading edge of the sheet without unsettling the fold, but in some uses neither will be required, nor will a timed rotation thereof in all cases be needed, nor a toothed drive therefor. They are supplied also with circumferentially-extending shallow recesses MI and MI, to provide clearance for the thinned down ends -40 of forming members 3939, and to soften the sealing of the fold. In some uses these will not be required. The remaining portions I02 and I02 of the rolls are of full diameter; being spring-pressed together, when presented to the sheet they engage it frictionally, namely through cut-away spaces 4| and 4| in said forming members. It will be noted that neither the wheels or rolls for the purpose, nor forming members to cooperate therewith, namely having cut-away spaces therein behind unbroken forming edges, are limited to this construction, nor to a construction in which only the one edge of a forming member is unbroken, nor to a construction useful only with sheet-discharging devices. In the embodiment described the spring pressure for pressing the rolls together is applied through yokes I03 and I03 on shaft 9|. Springs I04 connected to said yokes are attached at the other end to arms III-J9. The rolls are positioned laterally through grooved hubs I05 and I05 thereon, the grooves being engaged by finger extensions I06 of stop members 61 and 61 previously described, attached upon the laterally movable sub-frames 21-21. thus causing the rolls to be shifted on their shafts by said sub-frames and maintaining them in operative relationship therewith. The invention is not limited to any special means for accomplishing the purpose. It is not limited to the use of any special sealing or discharging means, nor is any sealing means in all cases required. In the embodiment described, the folded sheets are stacked by means of a fly I01, attached upon rockshaft 08, but any usual or approved means may be employed, and in'some uses no stacking means will be required.

Means are employed in the present embodiment for holding the sheet in position after folding, before it has passed securely into the control of the further devices. Theseare described as follows: Sub-frames 21 and 21 have attached thereon (Fig. 2) the bent-down edges of paper tables I00 and. I08, opened suitablyto permit the passage of rollers 41 and 41 and blades 52 and 52. Said paper tables have the additional support. of up-standing pieces I09 and I09, supported slidingly upon the transversely extending rod or beam 26. They serve to support the wider portions of the sheet prior to folding. Attached upon piece I09, and upon paper table I08, is a cam-like track IIO, so positioned as to engage a cam roller III journaled on pin H2 on extension I I3 of the nearer of arms 45. The construction is shown in Fig. 2. Track I I0 in function is an extension of tracks 48; it lies in the path of said cam roller, and its working contour is such that arms 45 are raised slightly thereby at the end of their stroke, thus easing the pressure of roller 41 and blade 52 upon the sheet sufficiently to enable the sheet to be withdrawn longitudinally from beneath them, in advance of the retraction of said roller and blade. It will be noted that the gated rolls described act controllingly upon the fold at the leading edge thereof, and in some uses the present construction will not be required. Its function is to control the natural spring of the fold throughout its length, prior to its engagement thereby. The invention is not limited to any particular construction for the purpose, even when the function is performed.

The means employed in this embodiment of the invention for indicating in advance, that is to say before the sheet is entered, and at the feed-board, where such indication is usually most useful, where the later folds will fall, are described as follows: In the mechanism shown in the drawings the longitudinal folding lines are the ones whose positions are indicated. Since such folding lines in this case are established through the forming members, and the forming members are attached upon blocks 33 and 33, positionedadjacent to the feed-board, I attach upon them pointers Illand H4 respectively to act as indicators indicating where such lines will fall with respect to the feed-board, or with respect to pressure roll 3, both of which have a fixed lateral datum position. As arranged, the

feed-board edge lies rearwardly of the pointer, i

and the pressure roll forwardly of it. The operator, knowing where he'wishes his sheet to be folded, can lay it upon the feed-board exactly in the desired position before setting his sideguides; or he can place the sheet against his sideguides and then bring the folding mechanism into the exact desired position. In folding machines in commercial use at present the operator has no such assistance. The invention is not limited to any precise form of indicator employed for the purpose, nor to the precise later folding lines indicated, nor to the precise position of the indicator. In some uses an indicator for this purpose will not be required.

The mechanism described is operated as follows: The operator in practice frequently folds a sheet by hand for guidance. This he may lay upon the feed-board. Through handle 31 or 3'! he now turns shafts 3232, shafts 28-40 through their chain and sprocket connections are rotated in unison therewith, and forming members 39 and 39 are approached or separated to the required extent, indicators H4 and Ill guiding him accurately, without requiring the exercise of skill. If for any reason an operator wishes to adjust the position of each longitudinal fold separately, as for example to avoid making feeder adjustments or to avoid changing his side guides, he is enabled to do this by first withdrawing pins 30 so as to disconnect the right-hand and leftant ers that a p n w l usual b w t drawn .91 r led for a given user in advance, to 'meet habitual ee s r refe e and wi not o di aril be pha s d ba k a r h howe er asil t ch n e m b ma n so u s'said in need n t be W thdrawn; in such ca e one set o cha an t rqdi t,w ne t s a b dispens d with. In someuses all adjustments can be made using shaits 28 and 3 2 alone, or shafts 28 and 3,? alone. If only one size of sheet is to be folded, a l ad u tm t e ice m be d p ed wi h itho tafie ti e h r ma f a r of the inve tion; l I

, The operator completes making his adjustme i s an P s o is. sheet o b e ed Kn t? 1 strikes .it'betweenpressure rolls 2 and 3, and the ran e q dis m de... he h et s 1 w advanced by said rolls into the open channel betwe f ming-mem er 7 an clamps lid-466K Upon passing from between the rolls itis carried by gravity along said channel until arrested bystops 6'! and 67f in folding position. It will beunderstood that earn 83 meanwhile has retracted rolls 91-431 slightly, so as not toengage them-with the sheet-edge, but not to an extent to cause clamps 66 66 to close.

The sheethas now-been foldedtransversely, advanoed from this folding stage, and positioned for further folding. Canrw now retracts rolls 9159? further, into. the position shown in Fig.

1, thereby permitting springs 1212 to rock lolainps Elk-66 1 against the sheet. Aswas previously explained, in Figs. 1 and 2 said clamps are shown in opened position, inorder to show the construction thereof more clearly, but in this operating positionsaid springs would have closed them. The retracted position of rolls 9l$1 as shown in Fig. 1 also removes said rolls fro n all interference with the sheet during its folding movement. The means employed lor'jthe purpose are somewhat immaterial; I prefer to employ cam 83 through the parts described. H I

'Ihereciprocating devices for folding'the sheet ,over the Iformingmembers are now brought into action. Inthe embodiment described the lefthand fold is firstlaid over, cam 58 on shaft 14 operating to move roller 4'! upwardlyalongtraelgs 48 upon vwhiohit is spring-pressed, thus bringing it into broadside engagement with the sheet and lifting the sheet. Therotating of roller 4;! eventually brings blade 52 likewise into engagement 1 with the-sheet. Roller .41 is rolled thus along tracks 48 until it arrives at .t'he'edge of forming :member 39, when. it passesfrom sald tracks to roll broadwide across said forminglmember, with the sheet underneath, folded overftheforming member. The'sheet may 01 may not be broken at the folding line by'this action, and the fold produced thereinmay or may not be sharply pro-. nounced. The rolling action of the roller in some uses folds thesheet more firmly about the forming member than would a blade action alone.

-tion of the two employed together results in the laying of the blade flatwise upon the sheet shortly before therend of the work-stroke, and during the remainder of the'stroke it slides flatwise upon .the. sheet. Retraotion is .effectedby spring 754,

earn 158 controlling the action thereof. It will be noted that at the endof the retracting stroke bla e 52 is e e again t trac 4 a t roller as afolding agent. 7

In the present embodiment the contour of 58 is such that roller 41 does not leave forming member 39 when. retracted until the opposing right-hand roller 41 has passed upon forming member 39 so that the fold laid down by said roller 41 and blade .52 is securely held down by one or other of said rollers, until the folded sheet passes into further control. Upon the approach of roller 47* however, roller 41 is completely retracted, roller 41 and blade 52 now holding down both the earlier fold and the overlying fold made bythem. It will be noted that in some cases blade 52 can be made to act as a supplementary forming member over which the sheet may be folded, if cam 58; be given a. suitable working contour to delay said blade at the end of its workstroke until roller 4F and blade 52 fold the sheet thereover. In such cases retraction will preferably be made shortly after said roller l! passes over the edge thereof and it may or may not be accompanied by the easement described in connectionwith said roller. The resulting fold will be a Z or accordion fold, if 3ply, or if the sheet fold. Suchlatter'fold will or may be made along three folding lines, if the saidblade 52 does not extend to the edge of forming member 39?, the fold formed over it lying within the other two. 7

The folding action of roller {H and blade 52 has its source in cam 58 and it is similar to that of roller 4] and blade 52 "described. The action is timed to begin as said. roller 41 and blade 52 pass from their Work-stroke to their retracted stroke. Immediately before the end of their folding action roller M and blade 52 are eased slightly from the sheet, a oa n roller l-l l connected thereto engaging with cam segment I In, thereby raising the same, as has been ex? plained. '58. is so shaped as to hold said roller 41?. and blade 52 in this position at the end 91 their work-stroke until the sheet has-been withdrawn from beneath them. The action resultsfin restraining the folded-over sheet; from springing out of place before passing into the control of the sealing and discharging devices; Retraotionis made by right-hand spring 54.-

As has been explained, immediately after the positioning of the sheet, cam 83, acting against thepressure of spring 1 3, swings gated rolls use of either blade or action lifts the sheet away from stops lilwhich how lie outside the paper path. A further revolv- ,ing of earn .83 now permits spring 13 to swing gated rolls 9l+9l forwardly toward the folded leading edge of the sheet,iand at the same time to open clamps ESE--66 against. the inferior pres: sure of springs ll-12*. The timing arrangement is such that when this action begins the rolls have.

been rotated until their gated recesses face the sheet, in Big. 1. They arrive at their forward working position with the folded-over leading.

edge .of .the sheet entered into these recesses; Y

The further revolving of the rolls brings the fur? ther edges of the recesses together closingly upon the fold, in this case equally from either side, whereupon the further rotation still of them draws the sheet between them in a sealing and discharging action. It will be understood that the rollsare rotated from drive shaft 1, which turns in counter-clockwise direction, giving them effective rotation for the purpose. It will be understood also that the thinned-down ends 4IJ4U of the forming members 39-39F likewise extend between the rolls, but are not engaged because of the recesses NH-'40P over which they lie. They serve as an interior support at the leading edge of the sheet being folded. The fold produced by the rolls will be harder or softer according as recesses Hil-Hll are shallower or deeper. In'some uses this construction will not be required. The more positive engagement with the sheet is had through'the full diametered portions of the rolls indicated at I02 and H11", which meet through the cut-away spaces indicated at 4| and 4| in the forming members, the lateral edges of the gated recesses acting like grippers presented to the fold and closed. The mechanism in some aspects may be regarded as a special form of gripper mechanism intermittently presented to the sheet, or as gripping rolls likewise intermittently engaging it. It employs a reciprocating actuation combined with a closing actuation, to which has been added a revolving feature effective to remove the sheet and seal the fold. The invention is not limited to any particular means for performing any of these functions.

The embodiment described shows also a stacking mechanism, namely in fly I01, but the invention does not reside therein, such mechanism being in common use. Any approved stacking means may be employed, or none at all.

- The embodiment of 'the'invention shown in Fig. 3 does not require the use of separable reciprocating devices for folding the sheet over the forming members, and the same are shown mounted in a laterally fixed position. Instead of employing both a roller and a blade in the folding operation, it employs a blade alone, without limiting itself thereto or to any particular form or type of device for the purpose. Instead of employing clamping devices longitudinally disposed toward the forming members, it makes 'use of clamps engaging with them crosswise, and having a different control. Instead of employing separable gated rclls, it makes use of rolls in a fixed lateral position. The mechanism as a Whole is simpler, and is intended to serve simpl'er uses. It is described as follows:

The sheet is positioned for entering as before, with the assistance of the indicating means described, namely pointers I I4 and H4 attached upon separableblocks 33 and 33, supported as described. It is given a transverse fold, when such is required, by the knife-and-rolls devices described, and is advanced as described by rolls 2 and 3 into a channel defined on the upper side by forming members 39 and. 39. attached upon said blocks. The 'said forming members used in this embodiment have rounded edges over which the sheet is folded, instead of angular, but otherwise they are similar in every Way to forming members 39 and 39' before described. The lower wall of said channel, however, makes use of structure departing from that described; instead of employing a clamping device for a paper support it employs paper table I08 attached upon a fixed cross-frame '21 on frame 6. Stops 61% a d'si are'similar to stops '6'! and an, except that they are attached upon said fixed crossframe instead of upon movable subframes 21 and 21.

The reciprocating devices employed in this embodimentfor folding-over the positioned sheet are described as follows: Cams 58 and 58 for actuating the same in this case are fixedly attached upon shaft I4, instead of slidingly. Attached at either end upon side'frames 6 are twin crossfarmes 21 having journaled therein the ends of rock-shafts 42 and 42, upon which are attached arms 55 and 55 terminating in radially extending axles 56 and 56, on which are journaled cam rollers 51 and 51. Said rock-shafts 42 and 42 also have attached upon them toward either end reciprocating arms 43 and 43, each pair thereof joined by braces or struts 50 Said arms bear journaled therein at their upper ends shafts and 44, on which are attached blades 52 and 52. Said blades have attached thereon the downstanding elbow-arms 45 and 45", the lower ends of which bear pins 46 and 46", on which are journaled rollers 41 and for controlling the sheet-engaging action of the blades. Said rollers engage rollingly upon track-like cams 48 and 48, on cross-frame 21 before mentioned, being pressed against the same by springs 49 and 49 respectively, through pins and 5| on arms 45 and 45, and struts 50 on arms 43 and 43. Said latter arms are retracted after their work-stroke by springs 54 attached thereon, said springs being also attached upon side frame 6. The arrangement is such that cam rollers 51 and 51 are actuated by cams 58 and 58 against the pull of said springs. I It will be noted that neither embodiment is limited to the use of blades with the structure described, the blade construction being merely a preferred construction, chosen for its lightness and simplicity.

The clamping devices employed in this embodiment comprise a laterally extending clamping member 66 attached centrally on arm 68, said arm being attachedin turn upon shaft 65 journaled at either end on cross-frame 21 The clamping member is constructed long enough to bear against forming members 39 and t9 in every lateral position thereof. A downwardlyextending arm 69 bears on it pin 8 I on which is journaled cam roller 82 adapted to engage upon cam 83 attached on shaft I4. A spring 12 on said shaft 65 is attached to rotate said shaft and thereby press clamping member 66 against the sheet, cam 83 acting to open the-clamp, spring 12 to close it. Said clamping member meets the sheet at a point beyond the end of paper table I08 Since said clamping member bears upon the sheet at two points, namely where supported by the right-hand and left-hand forming members, the sheet is held with sufficient firmness against displacement during the folding operation.

The discharging and sealing devices are as are shown in Figs. 1 and 2, except that instead of employing separable rolls the present embodiment I IOI The rolls are constructedoi full diameter centrally, as indicated at i82 Whatever the lateral position may be of thef'orming members,

- this central portion of the rolls will close grippingly upon the folded sheet and pull it forward in a a sealing and discharging action. It will be understood that said rolls are fixedly attached upon shafts 93 and Bi Figs, 1- and 2, Which are driven as in the other embodiment.

The mechanism is operated as follows: Adjust ments are made in advance at the feed-boardas before, the sheetis given the transverse fold, if such is required, and'rolls 2 and 3 advance it into the control of the positioning devices. As before, it is arrested in folding position bystops, and then held by clamping-devices against displacement. Cam 58 through arms 55 now moves blade 52? toward the right,jwhereupon roller M lifts it against the sheet and bends the sheet upward. In: the action that follows the blade carrice the sheet across forming member 39 111 a fold.

Cam 58 holds the blade here in arrested position until the right-hand fold is made in similar man ner by blade '52 under theactuation of cam 58,

1 blade 52 being likewise heldin arrested position at the end of its work-stroke. Thesaid blades are verythin, and moreover'pre'ss-upon thesheet ina manner not, bind it, so that in many uses the sheet is removable withouteasing their pressure, but the track-like cams4$ and 63 may be so shaped'as toraise them slightly.- It will be noted that in suchuse thesecond fold is'ma'de not only over forming member 39 ,but over blade 52 as well. Thesheetinay therefore be so posie tioned asto. receive 'a three-ply Z or accordion fold, blade "52 in such case acting as a'suppla mentary forming member, and that if the sheet is wide enough it may receive a four-ply nested fold on three folding-lines; a i j The sealing and discharging devices operate to remove the sheet and press down the fold as has been described-in the case of the previously described embodimentythe gated rolls closing upon the fold in thesame manner and sealing the fold in the same manner. r

n will be understood that although a both embodiments the left-hand folding devices are described as, acting first, they may just as Well act last and the right-hand devices first, according as the controlling cams are shaped to time them.

Certain of the features shown herein are claimed more broadlyin my pending application for patent filed July 10, 1929, Serial No. 377,255. The embodiments shownherein make use of a forming member or members over which a sheet may be folded, andtimed. devices acting intermittently to fold the sheet thereover; The embodiments shown in said pending application also make useof such features. In the embodiments shown, herein said forming members are constructedfingerrlike ortongueelike. In the said pending application forming membersof similar construction are shown.

The embodiments shown herein make use of threaded shafts to facilitate-adjusting the position of the longitudinal;folds.- The-embodimentsshownin said pending application alsomake use of threaded shafts for the purpose. In the devices shown; herein gated devices are employed for closing: aflongi- 4 tudinal fold, and also fordischarging the folded sheet. Inthe. said pending application gated, de-

' vices are employed for similar purposes.

not

Certain of the features.- shown herein are also A claimed more broadly in my pending application foripatent filed,- Qctoben 11,1930, ,,Serial. No.

488,087, now become U. S. Patent No. 1,838,106; In addition to forming members suchas have been referred: to, and devices acting intermittently-to fold thesheet thereoverin a timed ac tion, theernbodiments shown herein make use of,

sheet positioning means for bringing the sheet into folding position prior to the folding action, said folding devices operating while the sheet is stationary. The embodiments shown in said pending application also make use of such sheetpositioning means. The embodiments shown herein make use of gated rolls for closi'ngor sealing the fold, and for discharging the folded sheet.

, The embodimentsshown in said pending applicathe sheet 15 advanced, stopped in folding position thereafter folded, and the folded sheet dis-i charged by devices presented to it.

It will be noted further that the timed devices operating intermittently to fold the sheet overthe forming members are shown more specifically in said pending earlier application Serial No. 377,255 as revolving devices. Said timed folding devices as shown in my pending application Seriali No.

ssacsmnow U.v S. Patent No. 1,838,106, before mentioned are also more specifically revolving de-' vices; The timed devices operating thus intermittently as shown in the present application are more specifically reciprocating devices. It will i be noted also that the devices shown in mypending application Serial'No. 377,255 referred to, to

facilitate adjusting the position of the longitudi= nal folds, more specifically employ threaded shafts to control the lateral position of the timed folding devices. The embodiments shown inmy present application 'more specifically make use of such shafts, but in addition means are shown therein extending such use to the separableforming members, thereby simplifying the construction and economizing the lateral by-the connecting devices. 1 I

Having thus clearly explainedthe nature and objects of my invention and the manner of applying the same, I claim as new and desire to secure byLetters Patent, i

1. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming'member over which a-paper sheet may be bent to form a fold therein; a member movable against the sheet to fold it thereover; means for space required introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; and reciprocating devices adapted to ad'- Vance and retract said movable member in a-fold' ing action. v

2. In a folding machine, in combinationza forming member; .a member adapted to fold a paper sheetthereover; means forintroducing the sheet to be, folded into the control thereof;.track devices connected to one of said members to gdi" rect the. folding action of the same; and means givingsaid track-directed membera timedaction effective to cause: the sheet to be foldeditherebyz 3. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member; devicesadaptedtto fold a'paper sheet thereover; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; means giving said folding devices a reciprocating movement against and away from the sheet; and track devices connected to direct said movement.

4. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member adapted to support a paper sheet at the folding line; a roller adapted to fold a sheet thereover, said roller axled longitudinally thereto; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; and operating means connected to actuate said roller against the sheet at said forming member so as to fold the same thereover.

5. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member; a roller having an axis longitudinal thereto; sheet-positioning means; reciprocating devices adapted to give said roller an action against the sheet effective to fold the same over said forming member; and track means connected to direct the folding action of said roller.

6. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member; reciprocating arms axled lon gitudinally thereto; a roller journaled therein; track devices adapted to support the same; springs pressing said roller thereon; sheet-positioning means; and means connected to said arms effective to operate said roller against a positioned sheet at said forming member in a folding action.

'7. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded; a blade member adapted to bend a sheet thereover; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control of said members; and devices adapted to give one of said members a movement against the sheet effective to cause the folding thereof.

8. In a folding machine, in combination: a blade movable against a paper sheet in a folding action; a forming member adapted to cooperate therewith from within the fold in folding paper; sheet-positioning means; and means adapted to give said blade a reciprocating movement timed to fold the positioned sheet over said forming member. 9

9. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded, and having one end free for the longitudinal discharge of a sheet folded thereover; a blade adapted to fold a sheet over said member; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; reciprocating devices adapted to operate said blade against the sheet in an action effective to fold the same; and means adapted to'effect the longitudinal discharge of the folded sheet from said forming member.

10. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded; reciprocating arms axled longitudinally thereto; a blade connected to said arms; means adapted to introduce the sheet to be folded into the control of said blade; and means adapted to cause said arms to bring said blade into an engaging action against the sheet effective to fold it over said forming member.

11. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded; a blade movable against a sheet to fold it thereover; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; reciprocating devices connected to operate said blade; and track devices connected to direct the folding movement of the blade against the sheet.

12. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded; a rolleraxled longitudinally thereto, said roller having a blade extension thereon; means for introducing thesheet to be folded into the contr-ol'thereof; reciprocating devices connected to bring said roller and its blade into an engaging action against the sheet effective to fold the same over said forming member; and track means adapted to direct the folding action of said roller and blade.

13. In a folding machine, in combination: forming devices over which a paper sheet may be folded, said devices having one end free for the longitudinal discharge of a sheet folded thereover; devices adapted to fold a sheet over said forming devices; means adapted to introduce the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; a cam connected to give one of said several devices a reciprocating movement effective to cause the folding of the sheet; and means adapted to effect the longitudinal discharge of the folded sheet from said forming member.

14. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded; a folding member adapted to fold the sheet thereover; reciprocating devices connected to the folding member to operate the same; and means adapted to control the tendency of the sheet to unfold after its folding by the folding member over the forming member.

15. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member over which a sheet may be folded and from which it may be longitudinally discharged; folding devices adapted to fold the sheet thereover; means connected to said devices to operate the same; and means connected to the folding devices to support and detain them above the folded sheet, for the purpose of controlling its tendency to unfold after folding.

16. In a folding machine, in combination: a forming member; a roller adapted to fold a sheet thereover under spring pressure; means for positioning the sheet to be folded; means connected to operate said roller; and means adapted to ease the pressure of said roller upon the folded sheet, said means including a track and track rider, for the purpose of permitting the discharge of the sheet before passing from the control of said roller.

17. In a folding machine, in combination: a laterally movable forming means over which a sheet may be bent; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; a threaded shaft adapted to vary the lateral position of said forming means; a handle connected to said shaft for the manual operation of the same; and means effective to bend a sheet over said forming means in the several lateral positions thereof.

18. In a folding machine, in combination: a laterally movable forming means over which a sheet may be bent; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; parallel rails adapted to support said forming means slidingly in the operative plane thereof; a threaded shaft adapted to vary the lateral position of said forming means on said rails; and means effective to bend a sheet over said forming means in the several lateral positions thereof.

19. In a folding machine, in combination: separable forming devices; separable devices cooperating therewith effective to bend a sheet thereover; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; threaded shafts adapted to vary the separation of said forming and cooperating devices; and means adapted to synchronize the rotation of said shafts, thereby coordinating the separation of said separable devices. a

20. In a folding machine, in combination: separable forming devices; separable devices operating therewith effective to bend a sheet thereover; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; threadedshafts adapted to vary the separation of said forming and cooperating devices; sprocket wheels attached thereon; and a chain connecting the sprocket wheels to synchronize their rotation, thereby coordinating the respective positions of said forming devices relatively to said cooperating devices.

21. In a folding machine, in combination: folding'devices adapted to produce a longitudinal fold in a sheet; means adapted to flatten said fold, said means including transversely axled rolls adapted to admit the sheet-edge between them; and means adapted to give the rolls a reciprocating movement toward and away from sheet-engaging position.

22. In a folding machine, in combination: folding devices, including a forming member over which a. sheet may be folded; and reciprocating devices adapted to discharge the folded sheet from said forming member, said devices supplied with an opening to admit the sheet-edge and adapted to engage the sheet between them in an action effective to remove it.

23. In a folding machine, in combination: folding devices, including a forming member over which a sheet may be folded; and cooperating gated rolls for removing the folded sheet from said forming member, said rolls movable toward said member and away from it for sheet-entering purposes.

24. In a folding machine, in combination: means for laying over or folding a sheet; a forming member adapted to cooperate in a folding action therewith from within the fold; and revolvable devices for moving the sheet longitudinally thereto, including a sheet-engaging roll recessed circumferentially to a depth sufficient to provide clearance for the forming member.

25. In a folding machine, in combination:

I a forming member over which a sheet may be bent; devices for folding a sheet thereover; means for introducing the sheet to be folded into the control thereof; anddevices for flattening,

the fold produced thereby, including sheet-engaging pressure rolls circumferentially recessed folding mechanism adapted to produce adjustably positioned folds in material such as paper; a movable indicator; and means coordinating the indicating position thereof with the adjusted position of said folding mechanism when set to produce a'given fold, thereby facilitating the adjusting of the same.

27. In a folding machine, in combination: a folding mechanism adapted to produce adjustably separable parallel folds in paper or the like; indicating devices; and means coordinating the indicating positions thereof with the adjusted positions of said folding mechanism when set to produce said folds.

28. In a folding machine, in combination: a folding mechanism adapted to produce an adjustably positioned longitudinal fold in a sheet; a movable indicator; and means coordinating the indicating position thereof with the adjusted position of said folding mechanism when set to produce 'a given longitudinal fold.

29. In a folding machine, in combination: a folding mechanism adapted to produce adjustablyseparable longitudinal folds in a sheet; separable indicators; and means coordinating the separation thereof with the adjusted positions of said folding mechanism when set to produce folds of a desired separation@ 30. In a folding machine, in combination: a folding mechanism adapted to produce adjustably positioned folds in a sheet, said mechanism including a feed-board for supporting the sheet to be entered; a movable indicator adapted to cooperate in positioning a sheet thereon; and means coordinating the position of the indicator with respect to the feed-board with the adjusted position of said folding mechanism when set to produce a given fold.

31. In a folding machine, in combination: folding devices, including an adjustably movable forming member over which a sheet may be folded; a movable indicator; and means coordinating the indicating positions thereof with the several operative positions of said forming member.

32. In a folding machine, in combination: folding devices, including a support for the sheet to be entered and a laterally ad ustable forming member over which an entered sheet may be folded; and a pointer connected to said forming member to indicate where a fold produced thereby will fall transversely tosaid sheet support, as an aid to the operator in making his adjustments.

33. In a folding machine, in combination: folding devices, including a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded and devices operating intermittently against the sheet to fold it thereover; and clamping devices timed to hold the sheet against displacement during such folding action.

34. In a folding machine, in combination: folding devices, including a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded and devices operating intermittently against the sheet to fold it thereover'; clamping devices axled longitudinally to the fold produced thereby; and means connected to open and close the same.

35. In a folding machine, in combination: folding devices, including a forming member over which a paper sheet may be folded and devices operating intermittently against the sheet to fold it thereoveryclamping devices for holding the sheet against displacement during the folding action; a spring closing the same upon the sheet; and means adapted to open said clamping devices to permit the positioning and discharging of the sheet.

36. In a folding machine, in combination: folding devices, including adjustably separable forming members and devices operating intermittently against the sheet to fold it thereover; springpressed clamping devices to hold the sheet against a folding displacement, said devices connected to operate in every adjustable position of said forming members; and means for opening the same for positioning and discharging the sheet, said means timed by cam action.

WILLIAM J )NATHAN NEIDIG. 

